The Maine Coon cat is somewhat of a legend in the feline world. And no wonder! After all, these kitties have the title of being the largest domesticated cat breed in the world. Alas, size is not the only redeeming quality of this wonderful breed - that’s why we have created this article that talks about Maine Coon cats, answering all your burning questions about these regal felines.
Anxious to learn more about Maine Coons? In this article, we’ll be talking about:
- The interesting and curious history of the breed;
- Breed information and characteristics;
- We’ll answer your question about whether Maine Coons make good pets;
- Why are they so different from all the other cats;
- Whether or not Maine Coon cats are a rare breed;
- And most importantly - why on Earth are they so big?
But what are talks without any visual aids, especially when we are discussing adorably cute cats? So, besides the breed dossier, you’ll also find a photo gallery of Maine Coons, showing them in various real-life situations, helpfully disclosing their real size and unmatchable beauty.
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Giant Kitty
Maine Coon Cat Looking Magnificent
Maine Coon Cat History
The origins of the Maine Coon are shrouded in mystery. Although genetically impossible, one myth holds that this is the result of breeding between cats and raccoons! Another states that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, tried to flee execution with her favorite Turkish Angora cats. While she didn't make it to the US, the cats supposedly landed on the shores of Wiscasset, Maine, where they began to breed. This might also explain why this breed is called Maine.
Maine Coon In Winter
Mine is a bit smaller with same colors, only a year or two old (we got him off the street) and he is already just about bigger that my friends full grown tabby
Girl With A Beautiful Maine Coon Cat
Are Maine Coons Hard To Find?
While the Maine Coons were a very popular cat show breed in the 19th century, its existence became threatened with the introduction of long-haired cats from overseas in the 20th century. Currently, however, Maine Coon cats are the third most-popular cat breed in the world, so it is by no means a rare breed! In fact, according to The International Cat Breeding Association, there are hundreds of certified breeds in the US alone.
If you’re wondering what the usual Main Coon price is, it varies a lot, depending on where you are from, the breeder, and the kitten’s color. A ballpark figure for a purebred, 10-week-old Maine Coon kitten could be anywhere around 1000$ to 2000$.
Our Maine Coon Is A Part Of Our Family
I think I would be afraid of them... ^^ if they are as quick and agile and moody as regular sized cats.. yikes! :D
Maine Coon Cat
Not a Persian, note the elongated snout and the prominent "M" coloring on his forehead. Clearly a Maine C**n.
Maine Coon Cat Breed Information and Characteristics
Maine Coon’s size isn’t the only trait it possesses! These cats are also known for their sociable and dog-like temperament, their fluffy fur with silky undercoat, strong jawline so similar to that of a lion’s, and a bushy tail to top it all.
Fur Coat
Their long-haired coat is an excellent adaptation for harsh winter weather, as are their large paws, allowing these cats to move through snow easily. All in all, Maine Coons are well-adapted to cold climates, and that’s where they feel their best.
Fur Colors
Maine Coons don’t have any breed limitations to their coat coloring, and you can find black Maine Coons, lavender ones, tabbies, blotched or ticked patterns. Really, any color you like, there’s an adorable Maine Coon kitten in it!
Maine Coon Size
Now, about the size - On average, males weigh from 13 to 18 lb (5.9 to 8.2 kg), with females weighing from 8 to 12 lb (3.6 to 5.4 kg). The height of adults can vary between 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm), and they can reach a length of up to 38 in (97 cm), including the tail, which can reach a length of 14 in (36 cm). Here’s a fun fact, too - the title for the longest cat in the 2010 Guinness World Records was held by a cat of this breed. His name is Stewie, who measured 48.5 in (123 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. That’s a whole lot of a cat!
Huge Maine Coon At The Vet
Maine Coon Cat
Are Maine Coon Cats Good Pets?
Absolutely! Although they are pretty large and look like majestical forest dwellers, they adapt to living indoors quite well. Their above-average intellect, trainability, and gentle character does help a lot, too.
While they aren’t known to be your regular lap cats who enjoy spending time curled next to their owners, they are pretty relaxed around dogs, other cats, and kids, nonetheless. You might be surprised to learn that Maine Coons love water!
The only warning about keeping Maine Coons inside is that they are pretty vocal, and you’re bound to hear lots of yowling, howling, trilling, and chirping when keeping one. So, before you come to a decision to adopt a Maine Coon, talk to your family and neighbors first, and see if they don’t mind you having a vocal pet.
Fluffy Grey Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coons Are Super Long
And there you have it - a brief introduction to Maine Coons! However, if you’d like to look at more photos of these gorgeous cats, we have just an article - Maine Coons as seen by photographer Robert Sijka.
Maine Coon Cat
Giant Kitty
One Long And Fluffy Cat
Maine Coon In Winter
That's How Big Maine Coon Cats Are!
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat With A Magnificent Tail
Snoozing Maine Coon Cat
Max, My 4 Month Old Poly Maine Coon
Maine Coon Cat And Kitten
Maine Coon
My Friend's Fabulous Maine Coon
Maine Coon Cat
Fluffy Maine Coon Cat
Huge Coon Cat
Maine Coon On The Bed
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Feed Me Please!
Maine Coon Cat
Close Up Maine Coon Photo
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Maxamus
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Sleepy Maine Coon
This one looks a lot like my Monster, except he is a short haired. I suspect he is only half Maine C**n because he's only about 38 pounds and doesn't have the long hair.
Rocky The Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Next To Another Cat
you never really appreciate the size until you see them with a normal moggy
Lord Tiron
Maine Coon Cat
I absolutely love that color. More cream like a palomino horse than an orange tabby stunning
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
Little Baby Maine Coon
My 22lb Love Bug
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon Cat
My Baby!
Maine Coon Cat
Happy & Proud
Maine Coon Cat
My Maine Coon Cat
Micha
..my Cat Stuck On My Lightpad
Maine Coon Cat
Xander
Our Son!
Badem The Giant Cat
2 Year Old Litter-mate Brothers. Maine Coon On Right.
Maine Coon Cat
Bloomberg, Our Maine Coon
Does This Look Like A Maine Coon?
Two Sisters
Harper @amandagphoto
Wish
Winnie,9months Old
Jay-zee Maine Coon Female 22 Month
Maine Coon Cat
My Coonie, Leia.
Maine Coon Cat
Mesmerising
Sammy From Richmond 'va.
Sammy was one of three kittens abandoned by the mother in our shed. All the animal shelters were full so we kept them all. Now I'm glad we did they are the most affectionate cats ever!!!
'stinkin' Blinkun
Soxy Walks
Moko
Maine Coon Cat
Bear.
Mauzer
My Mr. Man Man, Chase.
Sammy
Hesher The Baby Coon
Garfield, 1 1/2 Yrs...14 Lbs And Has A Mane. We Don't Know Dad, But He Has To Be Half???
Tippy
Max, Our Spoiled Mc Mix (& Yes, He Is A Brat! )
My Mom And Her Cat Rudolf
Cassie
Rhino
My Maine Coon Kitten Karamel
Supposedly A Maine Coon Mix
This is Mephisto. His mother is a European Shorthair, a stray that I have fed but was not able to catch. She left but her son stayed behind. No idea about the father.
My 22lb Love Bug
9 Months Old Ada
Panda In Repose
Frank Sinatra (mainecoon Colombia)
Likha And Me... Pure Love!
Miami
Big Brother Little Brother
My Maine Coon, Dillinger, Is Just A Little Guy.
Louie-austintx
Smooth As F**k
Fluffy Ari
Diva, Who's Name Totally Represents Her Attitude
Our 'maya'. More Fur Than Cat ;d Also Nicknamed; The Tank.
Oscar The Cat
Mr Jack With My 6y/o
Leonardo Di Cattrio. This Was Taken When He Was Around 3 Years Old And Not Fully Grown.
Tyson The Hunter- 15 Lbs And Growing!
My Angel Baby
My Tuffybear
Nova, My 13- Year Old Maine Coon Mix- 22 Lbs. And 3.5 Feet Long
Roj
Pluto (41 In, 22 Lbs)
"max" A Mere 20 Pounds! Only 4 Years Old And Still Growing!
Sophie, Small Maine Coon Meets A Friend.
One Of Our Maine Coon Cats, Gypsy
Smushie
Bootz Suczynski
Cezare Lounging In His Dog Bed :)
This Is Bandit When He Was A Baby, He Doesn't Fit In The Sink Anymore!
What's Up?
...humans...
Jd Von Mouser
Titi The French Cat
Maximus At 2 Years Old!
Djazzy....
Teddy Is A Shelter Rescue.
OMG!!! What a beauty! I'm totally smitten. Where can I get one like that?!
Battle Kat.
Oscar
Bemo
Our Kittens 9 Month Maine Coon And Half Mc
Fluffanutter!
Our Finnegan
A Cameo Main Coon
Floyd (r.i.p. 2012)
My Buddy
Dog
Nope! No photoshop!!! Those cats are that large, I own one myself. Not everything is photoshopped. :) Maine Coons are just the best!
You're right, but there is always a photoshop whore on every article... They don't even know how to use photoshop, what you can or can't do with it, but still, they see photoshop pictures everywhere.
Load More Replies...This is my (late) Maine C**n. His name was Tiny... He was a runt. : 3http://orig02.devian...g_by_kakayu.jpghttp://orig09.devian...n_by_kakayu.jpgI miss him... He was such a sweetheart... ;_;
So fluffy and cute!!! Sorry for your loss.... May he run free behind the Rainbow Bridge!!! 20375649_4...68b4a5.jpg
Load More Replies...Nope! No photoshop!!! Those cats are that large, I own one myself. Not everything is photoshopped. :) Maine Coons are just the best!
You're right, but there is always a photoshop whore on every article... They don't even know how to use photoshop, what you can or can't do with it, but still, they see photoshop pictures everywhere.
Load More Replies...This is my (late) Maine C**n. His name was Tiny... He was a runt. : 3http://orig02.devian...g_by_kakayu.jpghttp://orig09.devian...n_by_kakayu.jpgI miss him... He was such a sweetheart... ;_;
So fluffy and cute!!! Sorry for your loss.... May he run free behind the Rainbow Bridge!!! 20375649_4...68b4a5.jpg
Load More Replies...